More reaction: The gauntlet’s been thrown

Some Democratic lawmakers felt a bit threatened by Gov. David Paterson’s address, some Republicans clearly liked his remarks, and some pro-business groups didn’t mind the job-creation talk.

“He’s going after the Legislature,” said Assemblyman Peter Rivera, D-Bronx. “He has thrown down the gauntlet. The next several months will be interpreted by what’s inside the gauntlet.”

Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera, D-Bronx, agreed. “We’re going to be used as a scapegoat.”

Assemblyman Danny O’Donnell, D-Manhattan, added: “Every governor in my life has used the Legislature as a scapegoat. That is not news.” He said the governor laid out some principles and that could lead toward cooperative dealings.

Sen. Diane Savino, D-Staten Island, said she thought Paterson would be harsher toward the Legislature. “It was a lot less combative than I had anticipated. That’s the good thing. But it was positive that he said he’s going to have to work with us.”

Sen. Carl Kruger, D-Brooklyn, the head of the Finance Committee, said he felt shortchanged because the governor did not discuss how he would streamline government, consolidate agencies, deal with health care spending or come up with funds for economic development programs mentioned. “I want to see his budget. I don’t want to hear the platitudes,” Kruger said. “David Paterson was part of the fabric of Albany for 25 years. He’s been in decision-making positions . . . Now to say it was all wrong and there’s a better mousetrap – I want to see it in his budget.”

Former Sen. Byron Brown, D-Buffalo, who conducted a fund-raiser while in Albany, observed that Paterson made good use of some ideas put forth by Brown and other upstate leaders to market places like Buffalo for backroom operations for corporate America. And he liked the governor’s call to deal with urban blight by working on housing issues,

Rochester Mayor Bob Duffy agreed. He said the governor’s message of reform and tough talk on budgeting “resonated upstate.” Assemblyman Joseph Morelle, D-Irondequoit, said the governor appealed to him with his message of frugality and ethics reform.

Assemblyman Peter Lopez, R-Schoharie, offered high praise. “I thought that it was courageous and a necessary reality check – the issue of are we sustainable with services we provide . . . are we working in good faith to put the people first, this issue of fiscal responsibility and ethics reforms and economic soundness are issues I steadily communicate in my community.
I felt he really spoke with the voice of the people.”

Sen. Thomas Libous, R-Binghamton, also applauded Paterson. “It was a tough speech for anybody to give – because there are no goodies to give out. There’s no money. He talked about a spending cap; that’s good . . . If the governor could use his influence with the Assembly to do that, it would go a long way.” He said he wished the governor has said something about tax cuts and he would have preferred more details on job creation plans. As for ethics reforms proposed by Paterson, Libous said: “I would be surprised if anyone challenged that . . . The public is uncomfortable with corruption that’s taken place in Albany; I’m uncomfortable. We have to show them we can get our own house in order.”

Sen. Hugh Farley, R-Niskayuna, said he admired Paterson’s ability to memorize such a lengthy speech although he criticized the reform and economic development ideas. “I was disappointed on lack of specifics on how we’re going to address this terrible deficit,” he added. He said some of the governor’s wish list items require constitutional changes, such as term limits for all state elected officials, so they aren’t necessarily going to happen any time soon. He noted that the Senate already passed a bill sponsored by Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-Rome, that imposes limits of two terms for statewide officeholders. The bill passed in 2007 with Democrats voting against it. “Abolishing the Empire Zones; they’re not perfect, but they’re very important to upstate New York,” Farley said.

Richard Iannuzzi, president of the New York State United Teachers, said the governor should have discussed education, particularly if he wants a skilled workforce able to meet job opportunities.

Ken Adams, president of the Business Council, said the economic development themes of the speech were promising. “What was missing? In our view, a pledge of no new taxes.”

Congressman Paul Tonko, D-Amsterdam, said the governor addressed important issues, including ways to leverage jobs in the energy field. “It’s a hand and glove fit with what we’re working on in Washington.” He said it also sounds like the governor is returning to an urban agenda to help fix up cities.

Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, D-Nassau County, described the speech as shorter and more direct than the typical state of the state address. “The governor gave a very focused and clear set of priorities. Generally, the response was a more muted one than in past years.”